If you’re looking for the best things to see and do at Prince Gallitzin State Park, you’re in the right place!
Prince Gallitzin State Park is a 6,249-acre recreational area in Cambria County.
At the heart of the park you’ll find 1,635-acre Glendale Lake, with 26 miles of shoreline.
The park was named in honor of Prince Demetrius Gallitzin, a Russian nobleman turned Catholic missionary priest who founded the nearby town of Loretto.
Gallitzin died on May 6, 1840, and he is buried near St. Michael’s Church in Loretto.
To this day, his crypt continues to draw thousands of visitors a year, many leaving prayer requests on the cast iron coffin in the crypt.
Directions to Prince Gallitzin State Park
The park office is located at 966 Marina Rd, Patton, PA 16668.
For some perspective, that’s roughly 15 miles north of the Gallitzin Tunnels (another homage to the Prince).
Or 18 miles northwest of the Horseshoe Curve outside Altoona.
The Best Things to See and Do at Prince Gallitzin State Park
The park is open every day of the year, sunrise to sunset, with day use areas closing at dusk.
Camping at Prince Gallitzin State Park
A 398-site tent and trailer campground opens the second Friday in April and closes the last Monday in October.
Many sites have electric hookup, and some sites have full-hookup, which includes sewer, water, and electricity.
Boating at Prince Gallitzin State Park
Glendale Lake has nine public boat launching areas located throughout the park, along with three public mooring facilities.
Boats with up to 20-horsepower motors are permitted on Glendale Lake.
Hiking at Prince Gallitzin State Park
Hikers will find 32.65 miles of trails at the park, traversing a variety of habitats and provide many different views of the lake.
Fishing at Prince Gallitzin State Park
The common gamefish in Glendale Lake are bass, pike, muskellunge, crappie, bluegill, and perch.
Pickerel Pond on the north side of the park has an ADA-accessible fishing pier.
Birdwatching at Prince Gallitzin State Park
During the spring and fall, many species of waterfowl stop at Glendale Lake to rest on their migrations north and south, in addition to the more-permanent species of birds.
Picnicking at Prince Gallitzin State Park
There are over 1,000 picnic tables and 5 picnic pavilions at the park.
Some of the picnic pavilions feature nearby playgrounds, and all have nearby restrooms.
The Patton Paver Path at Prince Gallitzin State Park
The Patton Paver Path near the park office is made up of pavers that were once produced nearby by the Patton Clay Manufacturing Company.
These pavers, made from locally-excavated clay, were used around the world, including in the construction of the Panama Canal and around the base of the Eiffel Tower in France.
Fall Foliage at Prince Gallitzin State Park
Early to mid-October is an excellent time to catch the amazing fall foliage display at the park.
There are outstanding fall foliage views to be had in virtually every direction and from every vantage point at the park.
Mud Lick Gazebo at Prince Gallitzin State Park
Mud Lick Gazebo is a fantastic scenic overlook just a few yards from a parking area along Marina Road.
Located in the southwest corner of the park, Mud Lick Gazebo offers an elevated view of Mud Lick Cove on Glendale Lake.
Headache Hill at Prince Gallitzin State Park
Located on the north side of the park, Headache Hill is another great vantage point to view Glendale Lake and the surrounding countryside.
A water tower at the top of the hill serves as a scenic overlook as well.
To the east you have stunning views of Campground Cove on Glendale Lake.
To the northwest, you have views of State Game Lands 108.
And to the southeast, you have views of the Prince Gallitzin Marina.
Final Thoughts
While not extremely well-known outside of the local area, Prince Gallitzin State Park offers an amazing array of things to see and do.
With a massive lake at its heart, surrounded by miles of trails, picnic areas, boat launches, and scenic overlooks, Prince Gallitzin State Park is a must-see destination when passing through Cambria County!
Nearby Attractions
The Allegheny Portage Railroad was the first railroad built across the Allegheny Mountains, allowing for canals on the eastern and western sides of the state to be connected, cutting the travel time between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia from weeks to just days.
The Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site in eastern Cambria County (and stretching into neighboring Blair County) is maintained by the National Park Service, allowing visitors to learn about and explore first-hand the “glory days” of the Allegheny Portage Railroad.
The Sunken Gardens at Mount Assisi are part of the beautifully manicured grounds of the Saint Francis Friary in Cambria County.
Open to the public from dawn until dusk and free of charge, the Sunken Gardens at Mount Assisi are comprised of 3.5 acres of fountains, statues, and gorgeous landscaping, some of which dates back more than 100 years!
Fans of all things old, abandoned, and slightly creepy will find the abandoned Cresson State Prison in Cambria County a joy to explore!
Also known as the Haunted Cresson Sanatorium, this former tuberculosis sanatorium turned state hospital turned state prison is now operated as a tourist attraction for explorers with an appetite for the unusual.
The Admiral Peary Monument in Cresson honors U.S. Naval officer Robert Peary, a Cresson native credited with being the first explorer to reach the North Pole.
15 Must-See Attractions in Cambria County is your guide to even more great things to see and do near Prince Gallitzin State Park!
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